Making turkey bacon in the microwave is really easy. My husband taught me how to do it!
The most important lesson he’s taught me, though, is how to make bacon in the microwave.
Yes, out of all of the things I’ve learned from Mr. Riley, this one kitchen hack has added so much joy to my life.
I wish I were joking, but learning how to make turkey bacon in the microwave IN LESS THAN A MINUTE has changed my life. For years I ruined pans and stood over a hot stove to fry it. For real.
Cooking turkey bacon in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty breakfast protein without a lot of mess and hassle. But how long should you actually microwave turkey bacon to get it cooked just right? The cooking time can vary based on a few factors This article will provide tips on determining the perfect microwave cook time for crispy turkey bacon every time
Why Choose Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon. Per 2 slices, turkey bacon has about 70 calories compared to 90 calories in pork bacon. It also has less total fat, 5g versus 7g in pork. Both varieties have 0g carbs per serving.
So turkey bacon can be a healthier option, especially for those monitoring fat calories sodium, or following diets like keto or low-carb. It provides the bacon flavor many love without all the grease and guilt.
Benefits of Microwaving Turkey Bacon
While you can pan-fry or bake turkey bacon, the microwave offers some advantages:
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Speed – Microwaving is the fastest cooking method, ready in just 1-3 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings.
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Minimal Mess – No splattering grease to clean up!
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** Easy Cleanup** – Just a plate and paper towels to throw away after.
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Portability – Only need a microwave, no stove or oven required.
So microwaving makes enjoying turkey bacon an easy breakfast option. Now let’s look at exactly how long you should microwave it.
Microwave Time Based on Desired Crispiness
Microwave ovens do vary in power levels, so cook times can range a bit. Below are general guidelines for how long to microwave turkey bacon based on your texture preference:
- Soft & Chewy – 1 minute
- Medium Crispness – 1 1⁄2 minutes
- Crispy & Well-Done – 2 minutes
For those who like their bacon still a bit pliable and tender, start with just 60 seconds on high heat. For crispy bacon lovers, cook for the full 2 minutes to get it browned and crisped. Those wanting right in between can do 1 1⁄2 minutes.
Always check at minimum time and add more 30 seconds at a time if needed. Thinner or thicker slices may vary slightly. You can also play with power levels from 100% down to 80% for less intense heat.
Signs Turkey Bacon is Done Microwaving
How can you tell your turkey bacon is fully cooked without cutting it open? Here are some visual cues:
- It sizzles and pops while cooking
- The meat changes color and begins to brown
- It starts to firm up and crisp vs. being limp
- It lifts easily from the plate when you go to flip it
Bacon shouldn’t appear slimy, soft, or stuck to the plate when fully cooked. It will lift cleanly and feel firm when picking it up with tongs.
Microwave Methods to Cook Turkey Bacon
There are two easy methods for microwaving turkey bacon:
Using a Microwave Bacon Tray
Special trays allow grease to drain away from the cooking bacon for even crisping. Follow product instructions for cook times.
Using Paper Towels
Simply layer turkey bacon strips between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. The towels absorb excess grease.
Both methods contain splatters and let the bacon cook evenly. The paper towel technique just requires some basic supplies you likely already have.
Serving Ideas for Turkey Bacon
Once cooked, here are some tasty ways to eat your crispy microwave turkey bacon:
- In breakfast sandwiches
- With pancakes or waffles
- In a BLT sandwich
- In salads or on top of soups
- Crumbled on baked potatoes
- As a pizza topping
- Wrapped around chicken, shrimp, or other proteins
- In macaroni and cheese or pasta dishes
Turkey bacon adds a savory crunch and salty flavor to both sweet and savory foods. It works great as both a cooking ingredient or final topping.
Storage Tips for Leftover Turkey Bacon
Cooked turkey bacon keeps well for 2-3 days refrigerated. To store it:
- Allow to cool completely first
- Wrap in paper towel
- Place in sealed container
- Refrigerate
To reheat, simply microwave leftovers for 30 seconds, checking often to prevent overcooking. Enjoy turkey bacon all week long with easy storage.
Microwaving turkey bacon takes just 1-2 minutes for hot, tasty, protein-packed breakfast strips without the mess of frying. Adjust microwave time up or down based on your texture preference. Use visual cues to test for doneness rather than just the clock.
With the right timing down, you can enjoy convenient crispy turkey bacon any day of the week from your microwave. Ditch the splattering skillets and utilize this fast cooking hack for easy breakfasts in a flash.
Does Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Taste Good?
I can admit, I was skeptical at first.
I’ve never been a big microwave chef.
However, a single mom who used to cook every night learns a few things when she moves in with a bachelor who makes all of his meals in the microwave.
The first time Terrence used the microwave to make turkey bacon, I gave him the side-eye for the whole sixty seconds that the bacon was cooking.
As the strips popped in the microwave, all I could think about was how crazy my husband was.
How to make turkey bacon in the microwave
You will need the following items to microwave turkey bacon:
- Turkey bacon
- Paper towel
- Microwave safe plate
Here’s what you do:
1. Separate the strips and place them on a paper towel.
2. Place that paper towel on a microwave safe plate.
3. Microwave the bacon for 50 seconds.
4. Once the microwave stops, flip the bacon over and nuke it for another 5 seconds. Yes, that’s right—your bacon only needs a few more seconds. ).
Your turkey bacon will be nice and crunchy, and perfect with toast, or crumbled over salads.
Here are some times that should work for most microwaves. If you use a different type of bacon, you may need to change them a little.
How To Microwave Turkey Bacon
FAQ
How long does it take bacon to cook in the microwave?
Is microwave turkey bacon healthy?
How to microwave Oscar Mayer turkey bacon?
How long to cook turkey bacon in microwave?
Layout your desired number of turkey bacon slices on the paper towels in a single layer. The longer you microwave the bacon, the crispier it becomes. The usual cooking time is from 1-2 minutes. The time may also vary if you have more slices. Start by cooking 1 minute. Then check the bacon, turn it, and cook longer if necessary.
Can You reheat turkey bacon in the microwave?
Microwave for 20 seconds to reheat the turkey bacon. Check whether the pieces are hot enough, and if necessary you can microwave for an extra 20 seconds or until the turkey bacon reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the turkey bacon to a clean sheet of paper towel to drain the excess grease before serving.
How long to cook bacon in microwave?
Place the plate in the microwave. Set the time on the microwave per the level of soft to crispy that you want to enjoy. Cooking time suggestions for microwaving the bacon is listed above. It ranges from 1 – 3 minutes.
Can You reheat turkey bacon?
If the turkey bacon passes quality control, then proceed with reheating using the technique you prefer. Common practices for reheating turkey bacon are using a microwave, oven or frying pan. If you choose the microwave method, the process is no different from using a microwave to reheat bacon.
How long does cooked turkey bacon last?
Cooked turkey bacon will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat leftover bacon, place in the microwave on a paper towel-lined plate and heat for 15-20 seconds for a slice or 30 seconds for up to 3 slices. Leftover crumbled turkey bacon is great to top salads, baked potatoes, soups, vegetables, and pasta. PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
How do you cook bacon?
Bacon can be cooked in multiple ways including the microwave, pan frying, oven baked or even in an air fryer. Pan frying has always been the classic way to cook bacon, but these other methods produce similar results. Pork bacon tends to get a bad reputation because it is both high in fat and sodium.